Passenger ferry traffic is operated over a wide range of distances and extremely varied conditions. The large growth in Ro/Ro freight and passenger traffic on the short-sea international routes and the associated increases in the size and power of the ferries operating on them have posed severe problems for the Port Authorities.

These problems and the solutions adopted are of vital importance to those involved and form the basis of this report.

Whilst the experiences and recommendations contained in this report relate mainly to European and Scandinavian ferry ports, they are of universal application and are relevant to ferry routes throughout the world.

Modern ferries are designed to provide high standards of comfort and interior design with a greatly enhanced range of passenger facilities. In addition, they are equipped with advanced electronic navigational aids and powerful engines and side thrusters to facilitate safe manoeuvring.

Following the introduction in Chapter 1, technical. specifications for six typical ferries are given in Chapter 2. Chapters 3 and 4 deal with berthing requirements and ship/shore systems. Chapter 5 describes passenger facilities and terminal requirements.

The most important lessons and recommendations have been summarised in the General Conclusions contained in Chapter 6.